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12.15.2016

I write this post to you with tears in my eyes. They're not tears of sadness, but tears of great satisfaction and joy. As many of you know, last April, with much reservation, I signed on to speak at the BAM (Bloggers at Midlife) conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. I bravely traversed into the world of public speaking because I knew, in my heart, something gratifying and fruitful as an author and style enthusiast would transpire. Little did I know the team at Chico's (who were corporate sponsors) had me on their radar. As I approached Chico's to receive my swag, what soon followed was a casual exchange of pleasantries between myself and their Public Relations Manager..."Let's talk when we return to our offices," she suggested, as she handed me her business card. This exchange then segued into a variety of events...my story appearing in the Chico's blog - Inside Chic; Chico's supporting Dress for Success Riverside
(the cause I support) with an incredible fall fashion preview; and a
year-end journey I lovingly dubbed, Destination Chico's, where I was
invited to share my monthly favorite Chico's looks with you.

I was completely surprised by their interest in me - a petite, barely 5 foot tall woman, with a proud head of silver hair, and yet, they said they found me to be authentic and unique, and would be great for their #HelloImFabulous campaign. Their words resonated with me deeply. For far too long my life was governed by the regulations of others. Now, at the age of 50, I was finally living life on my own terms; and I must say...It feels FABULOUS.

So today, this part of our journey comes to an end. We have come full circle and have arrived back at Chico's (Remember the Hello I'm Fabulous contest I hosted? This photo shoot is in the exact same location). However this ending brings about new beginnings. I'm excited to see what will happen next. So while this post conjures up deep emotions, it also brings into light the incredible journey I was able to take because I pushed my fear of public speaking aside.

For today's style story, and the last stop in Destination Chico's, I wear an outfit I fell absolutely in love with. Because of its relaxed vibe, and bold contrast of color, it represents exactly how I feel - bold, relaxed in my own skin, and FABULOUS! I hope you enjoy the pictures, and as always, let's meet in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Chico's. I
received compensation in exchange for sharing with my blog public. Although this post is a partnership, all opinions are my own.

Sunglasses were given to me by Chico's at the BAM Conference (no longer available); The backpack from TJ Maxx; Ankle Boots by Zara via eBay.

I leave this journey with an incredible wardrobe, and a thankfulness to Chico's for putting an extra exclamation point on a life that was ready to be lived in a most FABULOUS way😉

So that I can continue bringing you great content in the coming year, it is time for me to take my annual break for the holidays. I will return with another style story on January 1, 2017. In the meantime, you can connect with me via our active So What to Twenty Facebook group or Instagram. Happy Holidays!

Stay True,

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12.13.2016

With the holidays upon us, invitations
to parties are beckoning. You’ll want to look your very best without
cutting into your holiday gift-giving budget. Here are some simple
techniques to elevate your party-time attire from déclassé to
expensive.

(1)
Over-Embellished: To many bows, buttons, frills, etc., can make a
garment look cheap. The more streamline the garment, the more refine it
will appear... (The tips continue at Midlife Blvd)

12.11.2016

This Saturday morning, I was invited to be a guest expert for a flourishing 50s group called Transformation Wellness for Women. The subject for the discussion was Peace - an apropos subject for the month of December, as well as a perfect opportunity for the group to learn more about my book, A Place Called Peace. Before the intimate conversation began, I hoped my words would be seasoned, and the women would hear my heart, and leave our time together feeling like they received nuggets of golden wisdom. The hour-long discussion went by much too quickly, and was met with moments of tears, and moments of laughter. During our discussion, I was asked for my personal definition for my place of peace, and here is what I said:

Once I was able to grasp hold to this personal meaning, I no longer resented the things from my past; nor do I feel discontent with my present state; which has allowed me to accept Glenda...to no longer feel the need to fight against her, and to move forward in my authentic future - a future that makes me giddy with excitement because it is undeniably Glenda. There's no greater peace than this.

Today's style story is a representation of what makes me feel undeniably Glenda. For my attire, I always feel my best in a white top, a compilation of accessories that add depth to the outfit, something unexpected, too-die-for heels, and a peaceful disposition. I hope you enjoy today's look, and as always, I hope you'll meet me below in the comment section.

My collection of white tops seems to have no limit. When I think I've acquired the pièce de résistance, I happen upon another that brings me utter joy. The one I wear for this post is soft and billowy, and has dolmen sleeves - sleeves when spread, make me feel like an angel taking flight. Gathered in the arms and the bottom hem, the top gives and illusion of being tucked into my jeans, while the gathered sleeves makes for a voluminous delight. Paired with my top is a pair of bell bottom jeans (or what they call Flares); a pair of embroidered pumps; and splashes of gold accessories.

Many move through life completely unaware of their place of peace, or in discovering what categorizes them as living authentically. Coming to this understanding requires a great deal of work. For myself, I hearkened the effort as digging up hidden treasures, and then taking the time to carefully restore them to their former glory. In the beginning I considered the work as tough. In hindsight, yes, it was daunting, but it was work that has given me the greatest amount of satisfaction, and the freedom to be undeniably Glenda - spirit, mind, body and wardrobe😉

Stay True,

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12.04.2016

Have you ever wondered what a modern day Mrs. Claus would be like? Would she stick with her traditional patchwork maxi skirt, or would she dare show her knees in a modern scuba mini skirt? Would she wait at home patiently while her husband delivers the toys, or would she meet with girlfriends for late night drinks, while making sure to check-in with the hubs via Skype? Would she treat the elves to homemade cookies, or would she have gourmet treats delivered? One thing for sure, this modern day woman wouldn't suffice for Mrs. Claus. "No, no, no," she would command, "Please refer to me as Ms. Claus."

For today's style story, I had great fun with my outfit (which is nothing new. I always enjoy the art of dress). On a day set aside for a bit of Christmas shopping, I decided to play into the spirit of the season in an outfit which most definitely gives a wink to a modern day Mrs.Ms. Claus. However, instead of being armed with fresh out-of-the-oven cookies, I carry a to-die-for clutch that houses my app savvy smart phone - Christmas Gift List on Google Play Store is my favorite app to keep my gift giving on point. Love! After all, I can't take the chance of getting the wrong presents for my loved ones.

Before my day of shopping kicked into full-swing, I ventured out to my local shopping plaza for my photo shoot. What better place to pose for this style story than near an adorned Christmas Tree. I hope you enjoy this ode to Mrs. Claus, and as always, I love reading your comments. Please feel free to leave a message below.

Dressed in a winter white vintage Bishop Sleeve top, shocking red scuba skirt, and classic black knee-high boots, I feel quintessentially Christmas without feeling like I'm in a costume. This ensemble includes old favorites. The one new item is the clutch purse. Since the majority of the look isn't available, I've taken liberty in finding similar items for you.

My ears aren't pierced. But with the magic of magnetic earrings, it appears they are.

Throughout the day I was greeted by fellow shoppers with smiles and kind comments. Though Mr. Claus was dressed in jeans, hat, sweater and leather jacket, he said being with me put him in the holiday spirit. At one point, all tuckered-out, he took his place in a seating area with other exhausted husbands. As I buzzed around the store collecting gift options, I looked over in his direction; he had drifted off to sleep. Poor Mr. Claus. It's Ms. Claus and her smart phone to the rescue 😉

Stay True,

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